UKGC- Algorithms That monitor your Betting.

[Garf79]

This is worth all forum members taking note of, again more info from the UKGC. This time it is not anything to do with how they are working internally it is guidance for gambling platforms about upcoming rule changes. Although only a small number of the forum is based in the UK it is worth all paying attention to this information as your governments may follow suite and introduce similar methods to help stop problem gambling.

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  • identifying vulnerable customers
  • indicators of harm they must monitor for, including what is considered a ‘strong’ indicator of harm
  • when to use automated systems and processes
  • how to evaluate the impact of customer interactions

   

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Above are the areas that are changing in the UK, the UKGC will be implementing strict new rule changes very soon. The rule changes are also to use automated software or algorithms to monitor players spending habits, time spent gambling, how much they lose and now have the power to check bank accounts and financial statements if they require. This basically means that if you have a bad session and tilt, redeposit multiple times, spend more than you normally would or spend a lot more time playing than normal, you could be flagged up by the computer system and your account locked or banned permanently. The casino platform has no power over this and all the player data is monitored with this algorithm. I find this absolutely shocking and it does not take into account all the factors behind someones spending habits. This is very likely for players getting their accounts blocked and they probably won't even realize why. It seems pretty clear that UKGC are way behind the game and if people start getting their regulated casino accounts blocked they are going to start using a VPN and playing on un-regultated sites. It seems idiotic to me and I think they are approaching this in completely the wrong way.

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  • supporting the development of an industry led solution to the Single Customer View challenge through the Information Commissioner’s Office sandbox process and working with the gambling industry to evaluate the approach they develop
  • working with the industry on best practice algorithms for using algorithms to identify harm and ensure compliance with the requirements.

   

  Above is what the UKGC hopes to achieve with these rule changes and admission of them using an automated computer algorithm to essentially take away people right to what they want with their own money. And below is the full statement from the UKGC about the change in guidance rules that will be rolled out shortly.

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  New guidance published ahead of rule changes to protect consumers 

  20 June 2022

  New consumer protection guidance, which gambling businesses are required to take account of, will help them comply with new rules coming into effect in September.

  In April the Commission announced new rules to ensure online gambling businesses do more to identify and take action to protect customers at risk of harm. The updated consumer protection guidance released today will help gambling businesses understand and comply with the new rules, which come into effect on 12 September.

  The existing guidance and additional guidance issued during the COVID-19 pandemic will still apply and be available for operators to refer to until 12 September.

  The new guidance provides further information for remote gambling businesses on:

  • identifying vulnerable customers
  • indicators of harm they must monitor for, including what is considered a ‘strong’ indicator of harm
  • when to use automated systems and processes
  • how to evaluate the impact of customer interactions.

  Gambling Commission Chief Executive Andrew Rhodes said: “Operators must take account of this guidance ahead of the stronger requirements coming into effect. We are giving the industry time to prepare for the changes and expect full compliance by September. Every gambling business has a role to play to prevent gambling harm and this guidance makes clear what we expect to see, which will be supported with enforcement action should we need it.

  “In the current context, including the rise in the cost of living, it is more important than ever for operators to meet these requirements to identify customers at risk of harm.”

  The new guidance forms part of the Commission’s ongoing drive to make gambling in Britain safer. The Commission will shortly be launching a further consultation on the ways to tackle three key financial risks for consumers: binge gambling, significant unaffordable losses over time, and risks for those who are financially vulnerable.

  This forms part of a wider programme of work by the Commission to drive and support industry best practice in identifying customers at risk of harm and taking action. This programme of work also includes:

  • supporting the development of an industry led solution to the Single Customer View challenge through the Information Commissioner’s Office sandbox process and working with the gambling industry to evaluate the approach they develop
  • working with the industry on best practice algorithms for using algorithms to identify harm and ensure compliance with the requirements.    (SOURCE)

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